For those individuals who have developed lymphedema, compression stockings are the best treatment. Compression stockings should be worn for life.
Surgery for lymphedema is not curative and the results are unpredictable and usually horrendous. Recurrences are also common with surgery.
Compression stockings are the most effective and safest way to prevent worsening of lymphedema. Today, there are leg pumps available, which can be used at night and complimented with stockings during the daytime. However, the leg pumps are expensive devices. Instead, at night one can simply elevate the legs on a pillow. In the morning, the stockings must be put on as soon as one is out of bed.
